Quick Spin: Zontes ZT125-X

Andy Bell gives us his take on this lightweight, tech-packed 125cc scooter that proves budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean basic.

Zontes Motorcycles current range of models come in a wide variety of styles from 125cc single-cylinder scooters to 699cc triple-cylinder adventure and sports bikes and looking through their line-up, it is clear they can cater for any preferred style within the learner legal corner of the market. They are striving to offer 2-wheeled machines that are kinder on the bank balance without sacrificing on quality.

This ZT125-X urban scooter with its urban inspired design is a fine example of their aim, priced considerably less than its leading competitors, yet built to perform well and benefiting with a healthy number of tech features to boast about.

Talking the torque

In the market of A1 licence friendly 125cc scooters, how can this Zontes stand out among its peers? Well, starting with the engine, this 125cc liquid-cooled single pushes the upper edge of the A1 licence limits by providing a claimed 15 bhp or 11kW @ 8,700rpm. This in itself is class leading with the Honda and Yamaha equivalent machinery producing around 12 bph (9kW)

Then there is the issue of weight, or lack of it. The ZT125-X tips the scales at only 108kg which is a massive 24kg lighter than the other models mentioned. In a world of lower powered machines this saving counts. The largest thanks in this weight saving goes to the aluminium frame which may never receive much attention as it is hidden from view behind the bodywork and is an unusual bonus to have on a machine with such a low pricetag.

It is a shame in one respect as the frame isn’t on show due to the bodywork, but it looks like a lot of time and effort has been taken here with the styling with a brief to be “Urban” and it easily ticks that box with quite an upright stance, stubby compact screen and angular shaped panels.

Cracking on…

How does the power fair when it comes to mixing with traffic on the road? Well, combined with the lightweight nature of this scooter, getting up to the 30/40 mph limits isn’t an issue when joining a busy road and wanting to get up to speed with a top speed exceeding 60mph.

Not only is this scooter lighter than most, but the little mass it does have has such a low centre of gravity which helps to make it feel even lighter still. Carrying the weight so low is a great benefit whether pushing the scooter around or for confidence when filtering through busy traffic in the urban environment it is designed for. Carving through the built-up areas is also made easier by the seating position. The handlebars are made using 22mm steel and held in place by a conventional 4 bolt handlebar clamp.  The distance between the bars and rider can be adjusted to suit rider preference by simply rolling the bars either closer or away.

Without looking too far there is more hardware worthy of a mention with a pair of fancy looking adjustable shocks on the rear which feel to be well balanced with the front forks and offer a decent ride both in town and when getting the opportunity to stretch its legs on a more open road providing stability in the faster corners. The ZT125-X is fitted with an excellent Bosch Dual Channel ABS system with twin piston callipers front and rear and offer all the stopping power needed and emergency brake lighting.

Anyone looking for a scooter that is rich in tech might be interested in the long list that is available with the ZT125-X. To start with the 5” TFT colour display has various layout options and can mirror a smartphone with the Zontes Smart App. As well as the standard ABS, there is also switchable traction control and even a tyre pressure monitor on the display. The scooter also features keyless ignition which not only operates the immobiliser but also the central locking including the seat and fuel cap.

Looking further and the distinctive large X shaped headlight as well as all the lights are LED, there is a start/stop function and a USB charger tucked neatly into the left-hand side compartment.

On the practical side of things, at a touch of the button the seat unit can be lifted to reveal a deep and spacious illuminated storage area. Further storage can be found with a pair of generously sized gloveboxes which also houses an ever increasingly useful USB-C outlet.

Now back to the fuel range, with a full tank of fuel the display showed me a potential range of over 200 miles which is even more impressive considering the tank is only 11 L. This is made possible with an impressive claimed 109mpg.

Worth a punt?…

Although the Zontes ZT125-X is a more budget friendly step-through scooter it doesn’t seem to lack by way of build quality or sacrifice on tech to achieve its relatively low-price tag. On the contrary, the performance is high with a class leading power output which, paired with it being super lightweight means mixing with traffic in the urban areas it is designed for comes easy.

The combination of a decent suspension set up and brakes that have all the stopping power needed for this machine also shine when riding with more enthusiasm.

And then there is the tech on offer which all comes as standard, some of which like the tyre pressure monitor, have not made it yet onto most of the sports bikes that can cost at least ten times as much as this scooter.

The numbers that matters…

Power: 15 bhp (11kW) @ 8,700 rpm. Torque 13Nm @ 6,500 rpm

Weight 108kg

Price: £2,749.00

Contact: www.zontes.co.uk